When we see through our hearts, we recognize that every single one of us is infused with creativity. Divine Sparks are embedded in everyone and everything. It's up to us to be courageous, to look and listen deeply, to find the sparks, gather and release them back into the universe, transformed into something new. Join me as we wake up to the sacred-ordinary blessings waiting to greet us each and every day.

I have been so blessed to have Alicia Brown as one of my physical therapists.Her compassion, deep listening, knowledge and skills are aiding my body to heal. Three weeks ago her family’s life turned upside down when her husband Chris was diagnosed with leukemia. They found out yesterday that he will need a bone marrow transplant later this summer and will be out of work for a very long time after that. This loving family of four (they have two sweet little girls) could really use our financial support at this time. When I asked Alicia if I could add a link to their Go Fund Me page on my blog, being a person of humility, she replied, “No, you don’t need to do that.” I responded, “I don’t need to, but I want to. There are few things I can do in the world to assist others, because of my own illness. Please let me do this small thing and ask others to join in, give us a chance to do something good. This is why we are here on earth, to help one another.” She cried in appreciation and agreed to allow me to share their story and post this. That said, I hope like me you will open your hearts and pockets, click the link below, read more about her family and offer a donation.

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Thursday, November 22, 2012

Mega Mobius Gratitude Quilt 2012

thankful hearts aligned

just beneath the surface love

awakens anew

Welcome to the Mega Mobius Gratitude Quilt 2012! Gratitude is
experienced in our hearts, our minds, our souls, felt in our bodies too. It is
understood beneath and beyond words and yet, we have managed to stitch our
thoughts and feelings together to form a most inspiring quilt composed of words
that do indeed span the globe. Once again every continent with the exception of
Antarctica is represented. Two hundred twenty two individuals or couples have
offered up wholehearted thanks, woven through with silver and gold threads of
love, compassion, kindness, passion, blessing and so much more. This is our
largest quilt to date, about double the size of the quilt in 2011! It may be too much to read at once, so feel free to
bookmark this page and return as often as you'd like. Truly this, YOU are all
inspiring souls. I am humbled by your outpouring, honored and uplifted
by what has been shared from wise little children to wise elders; simple and complex,
completely magnificent.

“I feel so
small.” I said these words to someone recently at a meditation retreat during a
time when we were asked to step out of silence with reverence and sit in chevruta
(dyads, study partners). We were learning about social justice and the integral
role of mindfulness in this work. What my memory heard her say was this; “That
is not how I see you. Your energy, your soul is expansive. You are not small.”
I understood what she meant, yet at the same time still felt, feel small, but
not insignificant, for we are all here for a purpose, I believe this is
true, even if we are not always or ever clear what our purpose is. And perhaps
our purpose changes as need in the world changes, as we grow and change. So
while this quilt is a small thing to create in the largeness of suffering that
reaches every corner of our world, my prayer is that this gesture of mindful
awareness, of great-full-ness, that we have offered together, will shine
some light, bring some warmth to us all and to anyone else who stops by to read
what we have shared. May our words reveal our connections, our sameness within
our uniqueness, our ONEness, as beings living here on earth right now in THIS
moment. May we pass some of the genuine tenderness we feel, the essence steeped
within the blessings we are thankful for, on to others we meet; energetically,
with a kind smile, or holding a door, preparing a meal for one who is sick,
just gave birth or is mourning, offering a ride to someone who needs it,
listening without judgment to someone who has a burden to release
(including ourselves). Through financial contributions to organizations
that do good works, clothing, repurposed household items, or food shared at a
local pantry. May we be receptacles for tears and laughter overflowing. May
those who do great things to offer healing in our vast world continue to do
what they do, be who they are, this includes many of you... I dare say all of
you, each in your own way. Who decides what is great?

I am
small, a spark and that is good. I am content to be who I am and open to growth
and learning, giving, more as I am able, if that is what I am called to do.
Perhaps in a way this quilt truly IS something great, though it is a drop
of love in the ocean of tears our planet endures. Great, because of all of YOU
and yes, me too, for we all have our part in healing this world and if that
happens one person to one person, or joined together, surely we are making a
difference.

May each small expression of words, the briefest pause of silent
presence, every small act, all moments we give of ourselves a little bit,
extend the length, width and loft of this quilt into the world in real and
meaningful ways. Let the abundance of thankfulness flow:

I am grateful for good heath, loving and being loved, having good reason to laugh daily and for the chance to experience all the twists, turns and changes that life offers. ~HilaryI am so grateful for and appreciative of the doctors and nurses who understand human needs to be taken care of and come out to serve even in a hurricane; for generous friends and loyal family. I am grateful for music. ~Naomi I am most grateful right now for Family, losing my mom has really made me even more grateful.I am also loving the beautiful Fall leaves and crisp air. My furbabies always make the top of the list; they give me so much love and joy. And of course art, looking at it, doing it, thinking about it, such a miracle. There is much more to be thankful for, but these are the things that are meaning the most to me now in this moment. I am grateful for another new, bright and shiny day.I am loving the birds right now and the chill in the air, snow on the way.I am loving just being alive. ~ AnnieI’m happy for my princess pig, that we get to paint things, that Grandma and Grandpa give us toys and presents, that our clock glows in the dark, that we made our beds into bunk beds, for my Ariel wig, and that I got a vitamin at breakfast. ~MollyI’m glad that I have three Ariel barbies and dinosaur toys, and that I have a Mommy. I’m happy that I am safe, that I get birthday presents, that Grandma and Grandpa come to see us, that we go to the beach, that we go to swimming class, and that I’m doing tap class. I’m happy that I have dresses. ~RobinI’m grateful for electricity, and that in times of
trouble people let go of their differences and come together in support and
concern for each other. I’m grateful for the innocence and curiosity of youth,
and for the opportunity to witness and re-discover it as an adult. I’m
grateful for friendships that are blossoming in my life, and for the courage to
go outside of my comfort zone to pursue them. I’m grateful
that my life is blessed with the presence of so many wise people, who seem to
come at the perfect time to show me a different way of looking at things. ~ColeenI am grateful for the love that surrounds us all.
~Abby In words I’ve
never spoken, as the truth is so real, I would like to thank my mom for giving
me life, as well as saving it. I would like to thank my dad for all his
hard work to give my mom, my sister and I a loving home, always having more
than enough food, and wonderful holidays full of laughter and joy. Thank
you both for all the music lessons. Lessons that filled our days, and
music that filled our heart and home. Even though my sister and I have
not lifted our instruments in a long time, I would like to thank you for giving
us the opportunity to learn. I would like to thank my friends, new ones
and old ones. You are all a port in my ever changing world and mind,
always willing to listen, and never judging.I would like to thank my sister. Even
though we do not agree on most things, I can see that you are an awesome human
being, who gives love easily to others, so much more than I ever gave
you. Sorry. This I wish to change in the coming years. ~KarenI am grateful for new life, my family's
safety, and dear friends. ~VivI’m grateful
to my husband who is my best friend, the love of my life, and my caregiver.
When I became chronically Ill 11 ½ years ago, I had no idea that he would turn
out to be the most caring and conscientious of caregivers. He never complains
about all he has to do for me and the extra responsibilities he’s had to take
on. He never complains about how hard it is to go out into the world by himself
to social events and to visit friends and family. He says it’s a pleasure to
take care of me. I’m sometimes in awe of his patience and devotion. He’s taught
me how to be a caregiver should I ever have to take on that role myself. I know
how fortunate I am. I’ve met so many people on the Internet whose partners
didn’t stick around when they developed health problems. Not only did my
husband stick around, but also we’re closer than we’ve ever been. I am blessed
beyond words. ~Toni

I am grateful for so much that much of my day is a prayer of thanks. ~SusanI'm grateful for . . .for the smallest things . . . the time to stop, notice and wonder. Nature is a thousand beautiful details, whenever I stop to look. ~RickBelly full, place to be, love surrounds my family, mind fills with hope and willingness. ~Danielmy precious loved ones, my creative life, beauty of nature, the promise of hope ~ LynnaI Am blessedNot moreNot lessJustExactly as I should be ~KimI am grateful for - song life breath the waters receding love good health and good Drs good hospitals nearby amazing friends the opportunities to connect and re-connect change - today is today, tomorrow will be different learning to work with anger and forgiveness sight - to see the incredible beauty of the world ~ Sadie

I am grateful for the newborn with shining eyes, who searches out for my eyes until she finds them. I am grateful to my husband who holds us both with tender care. I am grateful to my parents, friends, and all who support our family during this tender, fragile, incredible time. I am living in the miracle of life, grateful to have brought forth life, and grateful to share this life with its new discoveries each day. ~BeckyI am grateful for my two beautiful grandchildren and for the chance to see my sons become loving fathers. ~AnneWhen I see the devastation surrounding us, I am so grateful we are intact. ~EveI am so very thankful for my daughter. She is my everything. ~Birgitta I give thanks each day for my wonderful husband who is beyond amazing and supportive. He is the wind beneath my wings. ~Jan

We have each other, and each other has the other's back, and our
cats keep us alert to our animal side, and we praise each day we are upright,
breathing, and knowing. ~MaryI am so
thankful for my husband who has been my best friend and support system through
so many trials including my own illness. He asked me what I wanted as an
anniversary present and I said, that I have had the best present ever for over
30 years. ~Michelle In..........
out....... breathe, just breathe....... clear your mind and this is what i
feel....... relief. Immense relief.... the news may not have been good, but are
a blessing nonetheless and the resultant ripples in the rings of life are
warming me in a deep and meaningful way... ~ShadowI'm grateful for the despair and sorrow that
leads me to a better place; for the delight and joy of my children's laugh; for
all the people working to make the world a better place for as many people as
possible. ~FiI am grateful
for the gift of speech, for the images of my heart, for being a part of this
precious world of life. ~ Lea

Before going off to college I never realized how thankful I really am
for my friends and family. I never stopped and thought about how integral a
part of my life they are and how empty my life would feel without them. Out
here in Pittsburgh I have made many new friends of course, but I will always be thankful for the
friends and family that have been by my side from the beginning, and even more
thankful for the ones that will be there till the end. ~Katie Tonight, I
am content to visit many heartfelt haiku bloggers, content to look at photos
that moved other, content to share my own words. Tonight I am grateful to be
content with small things. In recent days, I find myself especially grateful
for the walls that surround me, and the roof that shelters me. For the
solid floors beneath my feet, and the trees that remain standing outside my
home. Grateful that the ones that fell, hurt no one, nor caused any
permanent damage. I am thrilled to have power restored after six days
off, two on, a half hour off, a few hours on, two days off...and now ON!
I am warm, fed, and clothed, for these human needs being met, I am
grateful. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to reconnect with a
childhood friend, in a meaningful and touching way, before her recent sudden unexpected
passing. I am grateful for the joy my sweet pup, Maki, brings to me each
day - most recently by watching him chase snowballs and become very confused
when they hit the snow and disappeared! Much love ~KarinA- Ability: to see and read, to hear, to talk, to
move, to learn, to create things with my hands, to
walk, to understand, to care, to share, to forgive, to love B-
Bible: God's written word that inspires me, guides me, gives me strength
when I am weak, show me the right path, get to know more of my
Savior and how He worked with the different kinds of people and
how He can also work with anyone who believes C- Creator who made everything
that is seen and unseen D- Dance with the music E- Eternal life with God that
He promised for those who accept His love and forgiveness F- Friends that God
sends along the way that makes my life exciting G- God that can walk with me on
the mountain tops and in the valleys. H- Hope when everything seems hopeless I-
Imposssible tasks that can be possible with Go J- Jesus who died for our
sins so that we can have eternal life with God K- Kindhearted people
that is willing to give L- Love that covers all M- Material blessings N-
Name : That everyone and everything has a name O - Obstacles in life
that makes me stronger P- Peace in the midst of storm Q- Quieteness R-
Rest S- Salt that makes food tasty T- Tears that I can shed when I
want to cry U- Uniqueness: That each and everyone is unique V-
Vacation five weeks in a year W- Water to drink X- X-ray machine that can
penetrate solids and make it possible to see into or trough them Y- Years
of my life Z- Zinnia: A daisy -like garden plant with brightly colored flowers.
~Ligaya

I am grateful for everything. The pain, either
physical or dressed in sorrow. The mistakes, the loving days and the bitter
moments. The great food and that underdone steak I was served when I was
starving. The new friends and those that decided to pass on. Grateful for the
death of my pet for it has forced me to see her in every dog now. It makes them
all look at me like I'm crazy when I baby talk them as I pet them, just like I
used to do with "my" beagle. I love it all. The apparent tears of
sadness that really come from love. I am grateful for this and for you all.
~William Big sky. Clean
fresh desert air. Coyote's song. ~Clair
What am I grateful for in THIS moment?Having lost a friend this past week, I am grateful
that I am alive and my family is well. ~Waynesmall reminders daily we are not alone ~BrianIn this moment I am grateful for the Divine Net of
Love that surrounds and nourishes you and me and all Creation. ~SeenaIn this moment I am grateful for the honor of
pilgrimage and the gift of returning home. ~Darla

I am grateful for this amazing time in my life. I am immensely grateful
for the long journey of ‘finding my place’ being complete and having a strong
sense of purpose now that I know what that purpose is. I am grateful
for the connection to my spirit guides/expanded Self and the valuable guidance
I receive about every area of my life, including my life purpose and spiritual
career. I am grateful for completing this journey and preparing for the
next one. I am grateful that I am being guided every step of the
way. I am grateful for this time of my dreams coming true
step-by-step! I’m grateful that my vision of paradise is unfolding before
me!I am grateful for music and my collection of music. I’m grateful
that it uplifts my spirits and energizes me. I’m grateful for singing and
dancing and how alive it makes me feel! I’m grateful for my camera
and how it allows me to capture the vastness and details of nature in
Colorado. I’m grateful that I recently started using my gel pens in my
art journal and am grateful they work since they are more than 10 years
old! I’m grateful for my acrylic paints and brushes, for my watercolor
paints and brushes, the collage materials and fabric I have collected and the
other art supplies I have. I’m grateful for my creativity and abilities
to use all of the supplies. I’m grateful I started developing my
creativity long ago. I’m grateful I’ve been able to release most of
the unsupportive aspects of the inner critic and now I can create with freedom.
~Lisa“I am
grateful for every wish that didn’t come true”I can think I know what I want, what is best for
me,but the
Mighty One knows far better than I.I am as close to Heaven as a person can be right
now, right here. ~LisaMost of all I
am thankful for my family. Especially for my dad who gave so much ... and my
daughters who light up my life. For the neighbor who brought us wood scraps to
keep us warm ... enough to share with others who are cold. For the sun and rain
that nourish my world ...For the hearts that are everywhere if I look hard
enough ...For the change of the seasons ...For my good health this year ...For
the crackle of the fire in the fireplace ...For my ugly little car that keeps
getting me where I need to go ...For the kitty who knows when I need a cuddle
...For laughter. And tears. Both help to cleanse my soul. For the precious
heart-friends I've met in Blogland. So many thoughts and prayers ... so many
hugs and smiles. There is so much in my world that I take for granted. It's
good to slow down and take count. ~ClytieI am grateful for the strength of the unconquerable human spirit.... to
help and care for one another through times of great adversity and to find ways
to express God's love in working for the benefit of all people. We are One. ~
Sandy Such much abundance, so
overwhelmed, and suddenly so inarticulate - an unusual position for a
poet/writer. I am grateful, as I often jokingly say but actually do mean, that
I am still "on this side of the sod" - so many dear to me are not or
are, as a nurse friend crassly but endearingly puts it, "circling the
drain". I am grateful for my sense of humour, black and wicked as it is.
It has seen me through many a tough time. The gift of laughter makes me
thankful every day. I am also thankful to dearest Laura for making me pause to
realize how much there is to be grateful for - my family - who I adore and
would throw myself under a bus for, especially the adorable grandsons. My
border/collie-wolf cross, a more loyal pet I would be hard pressed to imagine
let alone find. And the love of my life, forty-three years married in February
(five together before that) - yes, the man's a saint. And the words, yes -
complain as I might - writing helps keep me sane and I am really
grateful for that. ~Sharon

I'm grateful for each moment that I can see the
light- the colors, shapes, lines and shadows that make up our visual
experience. I grateful for each breath I take. ~SharmonI am so grateful for my dog, Olivia. I had
never known love before and she has taught me patiently. We work toward
listening to one another more keenly each day. ~CathyI light a
candle in the darkness of my little office. I inhale love, I exhale gratitude.
And I think “In this moment, I am grateful for …” The blessings simply flood
in, like water flowing in and around things, seeking the open spaces within me.
Grateful for … learning how to live with less since I was laid off in May, how
not just to live with less but to be satisfied with less, to be filled with
less, to find the blessings that abound in less. Where before I might pay
someone to do some things for me, I now learn to do them for myself. The
dishwasher has been broken since June; I find the blessings in washing dishes
the way Thich Nhat Hanh describes it, feeling the slippery soap, the edge of a
plate, the warm water; gazing out the window and watching a little bird or the
breeze in the trees. In this moment, I am grateful for less. ~RoseIn this moment I am grateful for forgiveness
and the chance at any point in time to start over again. ~KaveriIn this moment I am grateful for my family
taking care of me. ~Naya

I am grateful for every moment Laura, some more than others to be fair.
Each one is a gift though. ~JohnI am so grateful for having a second chance in
life, one that was almost lost. I never knew I would one day be able to return
the unconditional love my Mom has always given to me. I cherish the time I have
with her and know this is where the two of us are suppose to be. ~RobinGod needs more angels to bring the love to
all. We are God's angels and moment to moment I am so grateful to know this
truth. ~LyndaI am thankful
for: G – God and how He opens a
window just when you think the door is closedR – Reasoning
– and the human ability to pauseA – All things
blessed…T –True love
of family and friendsI –
Internal reflectionT – Time to
see things more clearlyU –
Understanding the need to be gratefulD – Direction
by Laura, who started a rippleE – Everyone
who paused and added to the ripple ~LynelleIn this moment I am grateful for love in all it's forms and for the
contented snores of my furry canine family. My beautiful daughter, who fills me
with gratitude every day. I am grateful for enough: Enough love, enough
friendship, enough to eat, enough to learn, enough wise people in my life to
have taught me important lessons, enough to cherish and enough to share. I'm
grateful we made it through another year with grace enough to keep us working
together rather than pulling apart and, singing through this moment and every
moment of the last few months...I am grateful to be able to move my body as I
need to, and the control not to move when I don't need to. I'm grateful my
mother survived breast cancer and continues to out-tough her health problems.
~Jacqueline

Grateful for the refreshing breeze coming through
my open window. ~SheilaI am grateful
for being happy and a day spent with my Mom. ~RosieI'm grateful
for family by blood, family by friendship, and family by fur. ~ LynneI am grateful
for today! ~AyalaDivine guidance is why I moved to a different country and culture. When
the days don't seem to be what I want, I remember that He has the world--my
world--under control. ~Betty Grateful for life ~ for all ~ Carol and zoe ^_^I am grateful for my online community of
friends, whose encouragement has nurtured my poetry, from a trickle to a
flowing stream. I thank each one of you for this unexpected blessing, which has
made me so happy. ~Sherry Blue Sky

I am deeply grateful for the love of family and
friends who have helped to support me and encourage me and restore me over the
difficult months. ~AbraI am so
thankful for the people who surprised me time and again this year in how they
stepped up with support, friendship and caring. Wow. ~ MikeI am grateful that you give us this chance to
open the channels of gratitude and spill forth our thanks. I am grateful
that HaShem brought me to live in Jerusalem, this place that Jews have longed
to return to for thousands of years..... and that I am blessed with so many
Torah teachers and that learning with them is like sitting by a living,
sparkling, deep, running stream of the most satisfying, nourishing,
enlightening waters. And I am grateful that I get to teach and that I
have students who are thirsty for these waters that I am blessed to live by and
in and with and that I can give over the teachings which is so deeply
satisfying as well. And I am so grateful for a few awesomely brilliant
yoga teachers that I have and that when I practice yoga with them I am always
in awe of how unknowable and deep our bodies are and how they indeed are in the
image of G-d. And I am grateful for so so so much more.....endlessly
more. ~DianeI am most
grateful for music. Without music, I might not have met my wife or had my
children. Music has allowed me to meet so many interesting and hip
people. It has afforded me the opportunity to travel to places I might
not otherwise have had a chance to visit. And one of the best things
about music is that while you can make music by yourself, if you make music
with other people, the creativity and collaboration involved can occasionally
produce some astounding results. Sometimes I finish playing a gig, and
I’m thinking “I can’t believe that they are paying me to have this much fun!”
~DavidI am grateful
for my god, who without I would have nothing. ~Laurie

I'm so thankful for the music, the words, the memories and the beauty of
the now. I'm so very thankful our cat came back when we thought we'd lost her:
she has a lovely nature, and the house would be such a sad place without her.
~thecheesewolfthankful for
today...~CloudiaI am grateful for the chronic nerve disease that both challenges me to
points I think are unbearable and makes me slow down and be grateful of what I
do have... and I am blessed. ~JodiI am grateful that I can sit in a loud café
composing e-mails to people cultivating calm on the other side of cyberspace.
~LorneIn this
moment I am grateful for the amazing group of supportive colleagues, clients
and friends who believe in and support my work so lovingly. I am constantly
overwhelmed by the love (in a good way!) (you included!) There are so many
blessings in my life - so much to be thankful for - but after reading another
supportive email from a colleague, this is what rings true in this moment.
~Jill

I am grateful
to be alive. To breathe. To feel joy and sadness and especially to feel love. I
am so grateful to have enough -- food, clothing, shelter, transportation,
access to medical care, access to education, protection under the law - and so
much more than many people on this globe. I am grateful for spiritual practice
-- the possibility of growing in kindness, which is difficult but nevertheless,
always within reach. I am grateful for having been given work that is creative,
appreciated and inspiring to myself and others. I am so grateful to
be a Mom and a Grandma. I am grateful to have my sight and my hearing, to be
able to walk and talk. I am grateful to be in my seventh decade and have lived
a full and blessed life. ~SheilaI am grateful for the kindness that I've seen
people extend to those in need. ~John I'm grateful for CULTIVATING gratitude in my
life. There was a time when I didn't. ~Libby I am grateful for my brain that insists on thinking
its own thoughts and for my heart that feels more deeply than ever, now that I
am chiseling, scraping, and blasting (if need be) off the layers of
conditioning and upbringing - most of which were applied in the spirit of
protection. I am grateful for my womb, my creativity's ground zero that
continues to incubate and conjure and give birth not to babies but to art, and
I'm grateful for my bones who Know in ways that defy explanation - bones that
house my Wisdom. ~JeanneI am grateful
for all the help I received as I put my disconnected brain back together.
~Stewart.Despite the
many difficulties I and my family have faced this year, I have much to be
thankful for. I'm grateful for each member of my family, for their love, and
for each moment we get to spend together. I'm grateful for my dog, who is a
very real part of our family and makes us laugh nearly every day. I'm grateful
for a home to live in and food to eat and clothes to wear. And I'm grateful for
glimpses of beauty and light, even in the midst of dark times. ~Leslie

I am grateful for the tremendous privilege I
have been given - loving family, strong education, good health. I am
grateful for the choices these privileges afford me and for the guidance I
receive from known and unknown sources in directing my path through the
choices. ~LisaFor being
invited to cultivate gratitude; for my wonderful, dedicated, brilliant,
heart-soaked students; for my wonderful, dedicated, brilliant, heart-soaked
teachers; for Torah; for Jewish paths of connecting to goodness, to holiness,
to each other, to creation; for my health; for times of plenty and the
remembrance to turn in service to others at those times; for being created with
a solid mind which has learned a lot in these past 52 years but which is not
yet turning to mush; for humor; for the privilege of being a parent; for the
burst of sunshine on this grey, rainy day coming through the pinkish purply
mini-orchard sitting on my desk which I recently bought at Stop 'N Shop; for
the material abundance to buy not only food but also flowers; for loving
friends; for my lifelong partner in making life, love, family, community,
meaning and delight; for more than my lips could ever express even if they were
full of words as the ocean is full of waves. ~NancyI'm profoundly grateful for my current
lifestyle that affords me the freedom and liberty to live an unstructured life,
following wherever the Spirit leads and creating a happy, comfortable home for
my husband and companion animals. ~Carolynn We are grateful for the beautiful progression of our
daughter Laura, who has made this year wonderful. Also we are
grateful for all our children: all seven of them plus John. We are
grateful especially that they all care for each other, and for the next
generation of our grandchildren, who are wonderful and caring young adults, who
have learned to be who they are from their parents. May God bless them
and care for them always. ~Mom and Dad

I am so very grateful for the lessons learned through
cancer; the value of every day life, courage, compassion and every second of
breath. I am past the one year point...and I'm still HERE! I'm pretty grateful
for that. ~AnneI am grateful
for the wonderful circle of friends who surround my life with light, love and
caring. I am grateful for my body, because it speaks so clearly--even when I do
not want to listen. ~HannahI am grateful
for a Creator who sings over me with joy, yet weeps with me as my heart
breaks. I am grateful for my Mother—who is one of my best friends. I
am grateful to hold my Daddy’s hand as he gets ready to slip into heaven.
I am grateful for my brother and sisters who fill my heart with joy. I am
thankful for my husband, who’s sweet and tender prayers comfort me. I am
grateful for our children who know how to sing the Creator’s song. I am
grateful for friends who are a fragrance to my soul. I am thankful for
the beauty of this world, which fills my eyes. ~BethI am thankful for rain and wind; for the
coming snows and for shadows, I am thankful for the moon in all her lovely
phases. ~MaryThanks for
peaceful walking spaces in cool autumn days with sunny patches! ~Patricia

I am thankful for all the love I have from my
friends and family. ~ReggieI'm grateful
for good health (so far) despite eating all the wrong things and having the
exercise habits of a Galapagos turtle; for the love and everlasting
support of family and friends; and the ability to write, which I must remind
myself to do with purpose. ~JerryI am thankful for every day that I wake up knowing my family and pets
are healthy and for every day that we have a roof over our head and a meal to
share. I am also thankful for the inner peace I enjoy! ~Kerstin I'm grateful for horses and all other
animals, chocolate, my family (including my dog Kayla), my friends, and my
house, not necessarily in that order. ~Elizabeth I'm grateful for my family, opportunities to
improve and learn, my health, and snuggling and walking with my dog Kayla.
~Sharon

In this moment I'm grateful for this invitation to
pause. To breathe. To consider that at any given moment I can engage with my
grateful heart. ~LindaI want to say thanks to you, Beloved Life, for every blessing and every
brickbat turning up here in the guise of a person, place or thing... I
want to give thanks for the chance to see you, Beloved, in everything, and to
see everything as You. ~Miriam LouisaI am thankful for my wife. She has changed my life
completely. ~AndyI am grateful
for life, for the opportunity to experience. I am grateful for my family and
friends who teach me about love and about myself. I am grateful for the desire
that motivates my spiritual journey. ~FranI am thankful for rest within movement, life amidst
death, hope that eclipses despair, and love that shines brighter than
separation. ~Jordan

Doors wide open, I invite the mild November morning
inside. The red leaf maple casts her warmth into my heart,while the
gray sky sighs in muted reflection. Crows and catbirds thrill their wingsand do not
remember summer. Chickadees and finches chitter into the day,unaware of
the lessons they teach.I am alive in this moment. My green tea cools while
as autumn slips into forgetting.I am blessed with another day. ~TeriI am grateful for the day when my young son
asked me, "If you could do anything what would you be doing?" This
one question, from a young child changed my life. I can still remember standing
in my kitchen listening to my heart and finding my answer. I stopped making
excuses as to why I couldn't follow my heart and today my life is full of
things that I love, that make me want to jump out of bed to get my day started!
~RobynI am grateful
for all that I have and all that I lack ~ C. Rose Oh God I am grateful,
Grateful for what I am, grateful for everybody and everything around me. I am
Grateful that I can think it this way, and express! ~SreejaGrateful for the morning light, soft and
quiet as I rejoin the world. ~Amy

i am grateful for morning stillness... the precious
moments before the family wakes up and the weekday begins. ~ Clairein this moment…this very moment…i am most
grateful that on november 15th, i will celebrate 32 years of marriage to the
love of my life, my best friend and soul-mate, the kindest and gentlest man
i've ever known. i love you, honey, with all my heart! ~ stacyI am incredibly grateful for the wonderful
community of friends I have surrounded myself with, who lift my spirits,
support my passions, and make every conversation...no matter the distance
that separates, sincere and heart felt. ~NatashaI am grateful for the beautiful people in my
life. My husband, my children, my family & friends. Without them my world
would be a dark & gloomy place. Material things don't love you warts an'
all, people do. ~Jude

I am grateful for all the love in my life! ~PamelaI am grateful for the immense Love that I
hold within my soul and for theopportunity to share it with all those
souls around me. ~Jill2012
has been a year of self-discovery, like it or not, and appreciations for my
daughter Sydelle, who continues to shine bright. ~BillI am most
thankful for my family and friends. I have a brand new granddaughter,
born in Aug and three older grandchildren who light up my life. I am
forever thankful for my daughters and son in laws, my good, good friend Alan,
my Mom, my brothers and their families and of course my friends, who have been
with me through good and difficult times. ~carolI am grateful that my mom and dad were safe
at my house during hurricane sandy. ~ Amy

At this very moment in time I am grateful for
family and community that sustain me through life. ~ElaineIn this moment I am grateful for my large,
diverse, complicated, imperfect, loving, wonderful family, in all its chaotic
glory. My husband and I had no children together, although he has a grown
daughter whom I adore, and whose children are my dear grandsons. I am also
blessed with parents, in-laws, siblings, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and
several generations of cousins. My family sprawls across the entire United
States, from New England to California, Minnesota to Florida, and many states
in-between. The sheer number and diversity of my family is mind-boggling,
and often it is not easy to achieve a harmonious balance of the many strong
personalities contained within it. It gets messy. But somehow
we always manage to compromise and to emphasize our connection above our
differences. We are proud of that connection, and we share a
mutual respect for the common ancestors that made our large family
possible. We will always treasure our heritage and love one
another, even when we disagree. In writing this I discover what
a perfect microcosm our large family is, and it gives me hope.
If my diverse family of relatives can find a way to co-exist in
mutual respect and caring, then surely, someday, the family of my countrymen
can do the same. And ultimately, the family of my fellow human beings on
this dear old planet.That is my prayer. ~ Donna I'm super-grateful for the
creative-quickening that stirs within me, inspired by the spirit of the
Universe that breathes through all. ~HannahI am grateful for my couch. ~JulieI am grateful
for the all love, connection and support that gently encourages me to
open my heart wider. ~Linda

I am grateful
for all the special people I'm so lucky to have in my life, for the beautiful
animals I've been blessed to care for, for the roof over my head and all the
simple comforts of home, for good food and drink when I'm hungry and thirsty,
for fine weather during the day and a good night's sleep at the end of it, and
for all the little things I take for granted but would miss if they were
gone. I'm also grateful for the amazing opportunity to connect through
the internet with so many wonderful people from all over the world. ~Angela I am grateful for the dark side of the moon and for the vanilla
cream delivered to my doorstep in glass bottles. ~PaulaI am thankful that Abby has Facebook with which to communicate
because it seems to suit her well in her life circumstances and make it easy
and fun to keep in touch with friends far and wide. ~KateI give thanks for the blessings of my family
and friends, especially for the health of my elderly parents, my young
grandchildren, my children, husband, and siblings. I am grateful for the
ability to hear,see, smell, and move through this wonderful world. I give
thanks for the gift of word, passion, and compassion. I am grateful for my God.
~KarenOprah Winfrey said it best- "Be thankful
for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you
don't have you will never ever have enough." ~Michelle

my grandchildren. ~Abner I am grateful for having known, felt and
experienced true and genuine love. I am loved and cared for by few genuine
people and it makes all the other things worthwhile! ~PrivyI am grateful for the magic that surrounds me
in every moment of my life. I am grateful for the magic that binds me to my
family and friends, wherever we are, and whatever we're doing, there is always
that magic to keep us together. I am grateful for all the souls I share my life
with. And I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful
project. ~SaraThankful for
my online family their painted view their voices I read, hear and link they
touch me like cascaded light surging many moods a dance of rainbow's
reflection in a sea of daily storms and treasure washed ashore from
surfing in a tidal pool my mind's eye releases a a silver tear it falls
Online family grows...stirring strings of emotion connected through dpi, html
and resolution online souls touch the edges of my world their essence flows
between data n' pixels forever moved by this unique landscape its wonderful, wondrous,
wild territory so filled with facets of heart's journey reflecting back into
one's soul all through links and google I'm forever pinterested ~EllaThis year I am particularly and deeply
grateful for all of my friends and family. I've recently relocated from
Washington state to Arizona, a deeply life changing adventure in itself. The
process of doing this has been profoundly eye and heart opening. The outpouring
of support and encouragement, friendship and appreciation has been amazing and
somewhat unexpected. It does seem true that there is a different level of
appreciation for people and places upon "taking leave" of them. As if
to highlight this point, a cherished friend recently passed away giving me
further opportunity to reflect on just how impermanent our physical lives are
in the grand scheme of things. I don't count this as a bad thing as I feel
strongly that we are not merely our bodies and that our being-ness is forever.
That said, there is something sacred and precious in these physical lives that
deserves our deepest attention, care, and celebration. In this, I am so very
grateful for all the amazing souls who share this life with me. ~Art

I am grateful for my
daughter whose strength serves as a model for me. I am grateful she has
such a kind husband and marvelous son. I am grateful her doctor had some
words of scientific wisdom to comfort them. And I'm starting to imagine a
little angel hovering over them, who decided to be more useful from a different
plane. I am grateful for the love in my family which extends, radiates to
friends and which I hope is a glimpse of universal love. I'm grateful for my
husband. Slowly, I'm beginning to understand how even those things which
irritate me about him are a gift from him in disguise, an opportunity for me to
grow. I am grateful that I reciprocate fully. (Ha.) I am grateful for my
past because it evolved into now. And now I am essentially happy, content,
at peace most of the time. I am grateful for so many small and simple things -
the smile a lady shined on me that made me remember to smile too, my dogs that
teach me patience and perseverance, the mountains that greet me daily with
steadfast reliability and stillness, my ordinary life within which is contained
magic, marvel and wonder, making it extraordinary. And though I'm sad now, I
suppose I can be a little grateful for the emotion that allows me to feel.
Because soon I'll be laughing and I'll be grateful for that. I'm grateful
too for this opportunity to dwell on my blessings, to record a few here and
somehow add to the goodness that comes from "thank you". ~MyrnaI am thankful for my family who are all loving and caring.
We help take care of each other when the need arises. We celebrate the joys
with each other when we can. Mostly we love. ~AmyTalking to an
amiga on the other side of the world. Sleep, shelter, sharing good meals with
my darling roomies. Meeting new people and connecting with old friends.
Supporting those who help others escape poverty. An amazing family- plus a
new niece! Being in love and being so loved. Knowing that even if I don’t see
you or speak with you every day we still share a deep connection. Stopping to
think about how truly lucky I am to have all of you in my life. Thank you for
being such an incredible person and connecting us through gratitude. ~Eve I'm grateful for the loving, kind, generous, and
hilarious friends that circle me with their arms every single day. ~Ms. BeckyIt's been hard the last few years to find something to be
grateful for, things are rough; not just for me, but for so many people and
finding the light seems to be more of an effort these days. But, I've always
tried to see the positive, so here goes. I am grateful for family; not just the
one I was born into, but for the ones who have graciously allowed me into their
lives. You all know who you are, so I don't feel a need to list you. I love all
of you and I thank you for being here for me every day, whether I talk to you
or not. You all support me by just being there when I do need you. ~Pam

here we
go....deep breath...my teachers... i'm grateful for those who have taught &
guided me.... in this world & in other dimensions... from spirit to the
natural world... to everyone i know & have met... those little
conversations that lead to some understanding... those blasts of *wtf*... yeah,
I'm thankful for everyone & everything that has helped me learn. ~Suzi Gracias
a la vida. ~Leovi.I'm grateful for my
loving family and that my children grew up with loving grandparents who they
cherish, and who are still with us.
~SaraI'm grateful for being alive. ~EgeBeing alive. LIFE, difficult to live, difficult
to leave........... ~AnnemorI
am grateful that the site of my greatest hurts is the site of my greatest
healing ... and that I enter as co-creator in that process. Space and light ...
life after death ... baby kookaburras. ~SueJob. I am so thankful for my job. I work with
children, and for many years I was too ill for work, now I can again, that is
wonderful. ~Bente

The limited vision which
graces my eyes allow me to see, not a sharp mirrored image, but rather a
representative image of the object seen. All people become as beautiful outside
as their spirits are inside. All natural things become the essence of the
meaning of life. I have been blessed to know the difference. ~Claudette Having
plenty to do, freedom from boredom. ~GordonMy health, the dimples on my children's cheeks, as they smile
with glee. ~ShanI am grateful
for stimulating ideas. It helps me to be more fully human to expand my mind! I
am grateful for poetry. "The poem is always incomplete, the butterflies
make it whole" by Mahmoud Darwish. I am grateful for spaces and talks
dedicated to social justice. ~Brookstoday
I am thankful for other artists who inspire, drive and motivate me, for
colleagues to think with and through, and for a life that allows me to wake up
and live my dream everyday (and always for my hubby and all my family who love
and support the crazy artist) ~DebraAppreciation and thanks I give, for living the life I love to
live. ~Avril

A year ago, when I was
diagnosed with a brain tumor, I faced the greatest test thus far in my life. Is
this a pass or fail test? If I were to die from cancer, would it mean that I
failed the test? Death is a part of everyone’s future so how could death mean
that I failed the test? Since we are not immortal, failing the test cannot be
about death. Rather I think it’s more about life. For me the real test is how I
choose to live the life with which I have been blessed, how to make the most of
the days I have been granted. Do I care for others? Am I loved? Do I live my
life with good intentions, compassion, grace; hesed v’ rachamim? It is in these
small acts that I feel a sense of triumph. I am passing the test when I take
notice of the people who cross my path. When I stop to help a person in need.
When I reach out to return or initiate a smile to a stranger. It is about making
the small changes in my life where I make the time, not only to be there for
others, but also to create a space in which to take care of myself. When I live
my life with hope and wonder, instead of fear and dread, that is when I know I
am passing the test. I may still cry but I will find the way to listen closely
and to laugh without restraint. ~Noreen I
am grateful, in this moment, for the life of Elisa and the life of her unborn
child. ~AnnieI am grateful
first and foremost for my two children whom have taught me how to love deeply
and truly. My friends old and new who allow me to evolve and I am grateful for
my healthy body that is resilient and always talking to me I am full of
gratitude for my home, which is truly home and full of light. All my teachers,
healers and angels thank you ...~Janice

I am grateful that my
mother is here with me right now. That my dad is in safe hands in hospital.
That my brother, who died in July, is now in a wonderful place. That my near
and dear ones help bring out the best in me. ~Hilde Marie I
am grateful that we got to have our son with us for nearly 30 years, and that
we have so many wonderful memories. That grief is a sign of deep love for
someone lost. That I have the most amazing daughter in the world, that we
get on so well, and that she has married such a caring and compassionate man.
That their son, our only grandchild, is such a blessing to us all, and he keeps
us grounded. That although my husband still has health issues, at least he is cancer
free. ~IngerI want to show
my gratitude to the people who supported me through my life, my parents and to
God who helped me survive all harsh circumstances and brought me the power
to be strong when it seemed to be difficult to be positive. I also like to
thank those who shower their love and blessings on me everyday. ~SayantiniI’m grateful that we are joyfully celebrating the 55th
anniversary of our Thanksgiving wedding. I’m grateful
that, throughout the many changes (good and bad) we’ve grown both
separately and together and have become both stronger individuals and stronger
as a unit. ~SallieI'm grateful for my family and our health. We have gone
through several medical emergencies this past year, and through it all, we have
managed to stay alive and thrive. ~Shosh

Thankful for
the simple: My children , my health, my blood family and few real friends that
give me inner peace. ~Mitch walks and treats- woof ~ShaynaI’m grateful for the blessings of a loving partner and
home sweet home. ~IreneI'm grateful for the way that Source is always taking care of
things for us - and how, on the really rough days, we get to be reminded of
this as things seem to continue to work themselves out or show up in just perfect
timing with minimal to no effort. It is this beautiful reminder that the
universe has it covered - despite how distracted or off track we may get from
that knowing at times - and in this, we get to know the essence of love that
lies as the basis in the natural order of life. ~HaliI am so very thankful for my 5 senses. To
experience simply remarkable sites, sounds, smells, tastes and touches.
And share with others. ~Christinegrateful for the breath i breathe and for all
life that breathes with me on our beautiful planet grateful for my beating
heart and all the heart beats making music on our beautiful planet ~tammieBananas! ~Bill

My husband,
who is so loving, doting and funny. ~Kay
In this moment, I'm
grateful for another good day with my 86 year-old mother. ~RobinI am grateful to be in the habit of experiencing love...to
recognize it all as love. I am grateful to...SitOpenReceiveI am grateful for the depth of love and knowledge already
inside me.Grateful
for the grace pouring into me, joining the well already present, so that I
contain this fullness, perfect, and so ready to freely love.I am grateful to be a
place of living water. ~Rebeccaconsciousness, light, family, sedums, hummingbirds, friendship,
yellow finches, the human heart ~Jill
I am grateful for companionship in
my marriage. I always wanted this and have found it with my second husband,
Gary. I feel a wholeness and completeness and a true contentment at the end of
the day. ~Mary

In this moment
I'm grateful for Warm baths Patterns of spiderwebs in all changing forms
Patterns of cowlick swirl on my little-turning-big boy's head Little dogs
playing with big toys The smile and glance of a long cherished friend Those who
cannot but teach, serve as guide, heal The heart growing growing
growing You, Laura--on your mat or in your chair or on your feet, one
foot, the next foot, in love and truth and flow, beauty, and for Forgiveness
and for Sunflower seeds Sunflower shells cracking Compassion open, For
offerings And for The time given here To learn How to love. ~Myriam I’m grateful for all of my friends and my wonderful boyfriend
because he’s awesome. ~BelinIn this moment I am thankful for all the opportunities given to
me in the past year by the people I love. Such as being able to attend the
school of my dreams and then meet many amazing people in Boston. ~BeccaI am grateful for students that are eager to
learn. ~Patriciai am grateful for every
morning the light shines through my living room windows and my children laugh
on the carpet and the air smells of coffee and toast. i am grateful for every
afternoon, the silence of nap-time and the whirr of words on my computer. and i am grateful for the sound of my
husband's footsteps on the threshold, the sound of children being wrapped up in
his arms, the sound of his love whispered against my ear at the end of the day.
i am grateful for home. ~Emily

for now being
cancer free after surgery, thankfully ~Henrietta I am grateful
for my brand-new, tiny nephew and the chance to get to know him, watch him
grow, and watch myself grow through that process. ~NancyI am grateful for the flow of love that surrounds me,
abundance that circles my life and moves into ever widening circles of women I
guide, for expression of shadow, unraveling my stories and revealing their
gifts, I am grateful for deep love and connecting at home; deep gratitude for
my husband, my children and my grand-girls, I am grateful for the details of
each of their life-paths, that they are present and active in their life. I am
grateful for amazing friends, guides and creative circles, for the powerful
artists and creatives in my life who give me so much, I am grateful for the
circles of women that are present in my life and journey with me in guidance,
Mythos Journey and Quest, I am grateful for my intuition, all of my senses and
for a strong ability to vision and manifest, I am grateful for my body and its
care of me, I am grateful for my health and wellness, bringing a new level of
consciousness and tending to holistic health, I am grateful for movement and
mobility, I am grateful for delicious, quiet, creative moments in my
extraordinary life. I am grateful for my deep trust this year as I expanding my
risk edges and leapt into new, I am grateful for my new opportunities and that
Danny has found his home in ACL. I am grateful for Laura and her divine
quilt...may it provide warmth to her as she circles us with her love. ~Cat

Dear God, Thank you for
creating beds. It is my favorite think to slep on. What I like most about it is
slepping on it. And thank you for beds. Thank you for creating Rosie. It is my
favorite think. She is magick. What I like most is she is nise. And thank you
for Creating. ~Skyler Dear
God, Thank you for creating trees. It is my favorite place. What I like most
about it is a nice place to read. And thank you for flowers and bugs. ~Bez Dear God, Thank you for creating art! It is my favorite
subject in school. What I like most about it is painting. And thank you for
everything. ~EliDear God, thank you for
creating dogs. It is my favorite animal. What I like most about it is that they
can be cute. And thank you for apples because they are yummy and you can
replant them. ~BenjaminDear
God, thank you for creating beds. It is my favorite place that I can sleep on it.
What I like most about it is because i can sleep on it. And thank you for
making it. ~David

It was raining, hard,
on the roof last night. I checked on the household, the cats following me. In
one bed, the child, who was fast asleep, leaning his hand on his cheek, and in
the other, my husband curled up under his duvet. Except for the rain it was
quiet. The moment of knowing all was well and at peace – for that I’m grateful.
~InaFirst it
would be my family... my dear hubby and son and the rest of my family who will
be here for Thanksgiving dinner. I am thankful to come home from work to
see my sweet hubby already having our dinner made..my son who luckily has a job
and goes to school...my Goldie Girl who greets me at the door and lays by my
feet. I am thankful for my job and so happy it is one that allows me time off
to travel..I am thankful that I am healthy..except for a few aches and pain..I
think of all those who are really sick and I realize how fortunate I am.
~EileenI'm grateful
for simply being alive. For having the privilege to feel love and friendship
and even heartache and despair for they are equally teachers of myself. ~EitanI am grateful I have wise friends like you,
grateful the sun shines and balmy breezes waft by. I am grateful I still have
the capacity to reach for gratitude. ~JudyI am thankful that this Thanksgiving I will be
with my husband and daughters. That we were lucky to escape any damage from
Hurricane Sandy, and we are all in good health this year. I
am also thankful that I am going to be having a book signing for my novel and
for the wonderful friends I have. I am thankful for my poetic friends as well
as my author friends and for how we all help each other in times of need. Most
of all I am thankful that there is a possibility of our troops coming home for
good soon and for war to be a thing of the past for the United States. My
gratitude to all the poets and authors who have stood by me and helped this
past year!! ~Barbara

It was raining, hard,
on the roof last night. I checked on the household, the cats following me. In
one bed, the child, who was fast asleep, leaning his hand on his cheek, and in
the other, my husband curled up under his duvet. Except for the rain it was
quiet. The moment of knowing all was well and at peace – for that I’m grateful.
~InaFirst it
would be my family... my dear hubby and son and the rest of my family who will
be here for Thanksgiving dinner. I am thankful to come home from work to
see my sweet hubby already having our dinner made..my son who luckily has a job
and goes to school...my Goldie Girl who greets me at the door and lays by my
feet. I am thankful for my job and so happy it is one that allows me time off
to travel..I am thankful that I am healthy..except for a few aches and pain..I
think of all those who are really sick and I realize how fortunate I am.
~EileenI'm grateful
for simply being alive. For having the privilege to feel love and friendship
and even heartache and despair for they are equally teachers of myself. ~EitanI am grateful I have wise friends like you,
grateful the sun shines and balmy breezes waft by. I am grateful I still have
the capacity to reach for gratitude. ~JudyI am thankful that this Thanksgiving I will be
with my husband and daughters. That we were lucky to escape any damage from
Hurricane Sandy, and we are all in good health this year. I
am also thankful that I am going to be having a book signing for my novel and
for the wonderful friends I have. I am thankful for my poetic friends as well
as my author friends and for how we all help each other in times of need. Most
of all I am thankful that there is a possibility of our troops coming home for
good soon and for war to be a thing of the past for the United States. My
gratitude to all the poets and authors who have stood by me and helped this
past year!! ~Barbara

For what am I
grateful at this moment? For the warmth of a cozy home, for friends who care about
me, for tears that ease the pain, for memories that fill me with joy. For the
chair I sit in, for the breath of life I feel coming in and going out. For
imagination and for human touch. ~Judi I am grateful
for you still making me smile after all these years. Well the list goes on and
on. Mostly it is about others. How kind souls are always showing up in my life.
~LonnyLife, Breath, Body,
Mind: All the Beautiful, Wonderful, Energizing, Caring, Gentle,
Thoughtful, Talented, Patient People in the ever Changing Circles of My Life
who enable Deep Heart Connections; the Loving Attention from the oh so dear!
and close to me children of my "Auntie-ness," and their very smart
and accepting Parents; Watching the Mindful Processing of Feelings and Thoughts
into BEing in This Luscious, sometimes infuriating, One World; dried flowers as
reminders of life lived and rejuvenated; doctors and scientists who yearn for
cures; and . . a skillful and humble computer tech
guy. L'chesed v'Shalom (in lovingkindness and peace) ~CarolI am thankful for the earth’s
Bounty and for the color Green; for the Sage Green wisdom of my friends, for
the Fern Green of textured fronds, and for Asparagus Green in organic gardens.
I am thankful for men and women Warriors, who act to protect our food
sources. I am grateful for people who persist with a trustful attitude. I
recognize those who model the balancing of shadow and light. I am grateful that
I have the ability to sing, dance, hike, meditate, and practice yoga. Blessed
be! ~LaurelI am grateful
for the inspiration Laura brings to my life . . . her vision in both words and
photographs. She helps me SEE more and differently. ~Audrey

I am thankful most of all
for the health and wellbeing of my family. I am blessed with meaningful
work, people all around who surprise and inspire me, and visions of a better
world that I can work toward. ~Jon
I am grateful for the simple luxury
of waiting for full power to be restored as I know that many in the world have no
power, heat or running water, I am grateful for waiting for this certainty.
~PearlIn this moment
I am grateful for... the rosy African sky... a new day... the joy
with which the birds greet the dawn. ~RobynI am thankful for the love of family, the support of friends,
and the kindness of strangers. ~LindaSou grata pelos bons exames do meu marido. Sempre com fé! I'm
thankful for my husband's good tests. Always with faith! ~Chica

I am grateful
for my little stress reliever, my dog. I am grateful for people who do their
jobs well, and with kindness. ~Meryl
I'm thankful that hearts
keep beating. ~CaidenSun
shines on pure white frost creating Heaven's sparklers across that
cold scene. After a lazy weekend I imagine one could share that
Monday morning gloom but, that would spoil the joy in the gift
of this new day. ~BrenI am thankful for friends and family, for my lovely
home, for colour, for poetry, for joy in living. ~ViVI am grateful for so many things, every time I try to verbalize
it I am stymied. ~JennI am grateful my family, friends, and my community. ~DavidI am grateful for Thanksgiving, a national
holiday where everyone is invited to the table regardless of religion, age,
gender, and political beliefs. I love that this holiday is a reminder to
everyone to stop and count our blessings. ~Kathryn

I am grateful
to have dug through the burying decades' of confusion to better know
myself, so I might more fully know and be grateful for all We are and share.
~Joseph I am thankful for my life. Most don't have it
the way I do... loyal friends, loving and giving family, sweet and cute pets. I
am lucky to have a house, my room, all my possessions, food, and utilities. I
have leadership opportunities and a great school that enhances learning in a
safe environment. I don't realize how blessed I am to have what I have until I
don't have it anymore. I am blessed to be gifted with the intelligence of
knowing right from wrong, and for knowing about gratitude. ~JanieI am grateful for a loving and
caring husband as well as ditto for my friends. And learning how to let go of
ill will and strife. ~JanI am grateful for the various loving communities around
me, synagogue, close friends, and relatives. We are all one! ~RalphMy heart is filled with gratitude that I have a
roof over my head, my family can come for Thanksgiving, and people in my
neighborhood are bringing donations to us for those affected by Hurricane
Sandy. ~Talia

I am deeply grateful
for my husband and my children. ~Debbie
Thankful - My man and my
little man walk before me, one voice soothing, explaining, the other excited,
questioning, hanging on every word. I know this, as later, perhaps weeks,
little man will recite, if not word for word, then the essence of what he
gleaned from his father. Moments like these are few, time so fleeting.
These treasures live long in my heart, stored delicately. I sweetly
recall other sweaty palms clasping, faces upturned, absorbing his gentleness,
as I, even then, wiped tears from my eyes, thankful. ~ MargaretI
am most grateful for my family and friends. ~DeborahIn this moment, I am filled with gratitude for
all of God's beauty. It surrounds me in my husband's loving embrace, in
our four daughters' beautiful smiles and in our pet's loyal and loving
presences. My heart is also full with the glorious works of nature that I
am so blessed to be able to experience each and every day. It is truly
amazing to be able to look out upon the ocean or a mountain covered in towering
Pine trees. Such gifts of immeasurable proportions! And I am
thankful for the fantastic technologies that we have which allow me to connect
with wonderful people who I probably would not have had the blessing of knowing
without them. It amazes me that we can connect with individuals from all
over the world on a daily basis as if they live right next door! This
definitely includes my dear Laura whom I feel so blessed to know! Happy
Thanksgiving! ~Deb

I'm thankful for all of my friends. ~LindaI am thankful
for my three happy healthy children, good health and my loving and supportive
family and friends. ~Lisbethclear seeing ~JenI'm grateful for my beautiful daughters, who are my teachers and
world-openers with their questions and smiles. I'm grateful that my family is
healthy, and that we have time to be together. ~ ReneeI am grateful that there are people like you in
the world who genuinely care about others and strive to make a difference...Every
morning I wake up I think about how fortunate I am to be surrounded by the
people who are in my life. I have the best husband who provides for his
family, children who are loving and giving, siblings and a father who are
always there for me, and forever friends to celebrate the best of times and to
comfort during the darkest moments. They all add meaning to my life . . .
I could not ask for anything more. ~DeniseI am grateful for the tremendous love I feel from friends and
family; for a husband who is also a best friend and soul partner; to the circle
of women that surround me each month under the full moon; to the soul-sisters
that I find whenever I need them - in person, online and in spirit; and I am
grateful for a life that allows me to live, struggle, and learn from the every
day beauty and challenges of this world. ~Kristen

I am grateful
for warm November days and for the mint patch that continues to enliven my
tabouli salad. ~Lisa As I close my eyes and and breathe in and out,
I am so thankful for each breath which is the breath of life.
Each breath is a reminder of the fragility of m existence...that the
space between life and death...is just one breath. ~OlgaWe take this moment to express our gratitude to each and
every member of our family and friends supported our different type wedding and
made it successful as we wished. Special thanks to Nanda, Kamal, Nagaraj,
Vadivel and Ganga who helped us in taking care of all the kids form 10
orphanages and distributing saplings the guests. We thank Kids for 10 homes who
were present at the wedding reception as special guests. We thank all the
friends and family members for donating for the education of underprivileged
kids instead of gifts. Thus you all will be remembered every year and thanked
by the kid who get benefitted through this fund (Sevai Karangal). Thanks for so many unknown faces
who supported the cause. ~Thilak and DhanaAs I sit here in the quite of my home... I breathe, take
in this moment and feel my gratitude for family...for the love of family
knowing I can count on their love regardless of how often we talk; and that
goes for friends that are like family, too. I am thankful for my home and
that I have a means to have a comfortable home that expresses who I am and
provides shelter and a haven for myself and sharing my life with loved ones.
I am thankful for knowing my oneness with the Source of all creation
and that in this relationship all blessings come. I am thankful
for this thing called the internet that invited and allowed me to spread
my creative wings which opened my heart and soul to so much more: more friends...worldwide,
more adventure, more ways to communicate with them...with ease and from the
comfort and in my own time. I am thankful for the resilience of
spirit and to know there's something in me (us) stronger than I
realize, nurturing and sustaining me...and collaborating with me. I am
thankful I always have get an invitation to spend Thanksgiving with family
and/or friends. I am thankful for the richness of my heritage
and the beautiful life our parents gave us...which had nothing to do
with lots and lots of money. They provided a secure, loving beautiful,
creative home and lifestyle...which came from their loving heart...they gave from
their generous, overflowing heart. And that is what lives on in
me, my siblings and my daughter...our entire family and all who shared their
lives with my parents and our family. I am thankful that they...live on
in us and that we all share it with those whom we meet and share our lives.
When you see me, when you see my family... you see my parents. I am
thankful to have them with me, in my heart...forever more. Finally...I
am thankful for you Laura Hegfield. I am thankful that we are
friends and soul sisters. It was meant for us to meet and share this life
the way we have. I am thankful for all you have taught me and continue to
teach me, by the way you live and breathe and share each day. I am
thankful to know you...one of the most generous, thoughtful, compassionate and
creative people I know and that this world has been blessed with. I thank
you, and I thank God. Namaste. With overflowing love, ~Cheryl

My heart
swells with thanksgiving for all the blessings love has given me. ~Susie I am grateful for the inspiration in little things I read
throughout the day (even on my tea bags). For my girls lovely smiles and
wonderful laughter that echoes long after they're asleep. For the freedoms that
are found in the United States; for the love and light that pours out when
challenged - for my men that they are so capable and strong. For being, for
loving and for knowing, I am grateful for my God for without our creator
nothing is possible. ~Janetpractice is utterly changing my life. I am
literally bowled-over by all the ways it is transforming my
"interpretation" of my life. I am filled with gratefulness for every
single experience and every single detail of my life, and all the ways it has
brought me to my full and openheart today. ~CarolI am thankful for waking up to a
new day that is alive with promise, and discovering the many opportunities that
lay before me. I am grateful that on some days, I still have the strength
and courage to reach out and turn a possibility into a reality. ~KarenGreat
gratitude fills my spirit. Another grand year of life. Blessed to travel and
drink in the wonders of our America the Beautiful. A year filled with
blessings: giving; photography; discovery; poetry and mysteries; new foods; new
friends; apple orchards; vegetable gardens; mountains tops; and valleys low -
from which I rose up to travel another day; abundant reasons for big gratitude.
I have seen God work. I have witnessed his healing for myself and
other's. I say this, a line from a movie, without arrogance. "I know
God, and God knows me." Bless His name forever more. ~SandraI am grateful for the
love and health of my parents and family. ~GraceI'm about to run out of
my office to do some last minute Thanksgiving cooking for my family, but first
I am taking just a few minutes to send you a quick note. As is the case for
many of you, my feelings about Thanksgiving are tempered this year. I am deeply
concerned that so many people I care about are put at risk by the renewed
fighting in the Middle East. I am praying for peace, and I know you are too.
Closer to home, the members of my family — like millions of Americans of every
background — will sit around a table on Thursday bursting with food. And while
I am very sad about the news of war, I am deeply thankful for the opportunities
we have to create a better world and to live in freedom according to our
beliefs. This year, I'm grateful for one more thing. And that's you. It's you
and the hundreds of thousands of AJWS supporters like you that remind me every
day of the important work we have to do. You keep me and every single member of
the incredible team at AJWS inspired and ready to push on, especially when we
know that we are working to address problems that may take many years, if not
decades, to solve. So, I just want to thank you. For your generosity, for your
concern, and for your commitment to repairing the world. And I thank you, too,
for your prayers for peace. I'm looking forward to the work ahead, and I am
undeterred by the challenges in our path — especially because I know you are,
too. ~Ruth

I am grateful for all
of YOU, for this one precious life I was born to live in all of its fullness,
for the ONE who spoke and breathed a Universe into existence, for my loving
family and friends in multiple communities, for my wise and generous teachers,
the courageous, compassionate souljourners who sit with me in The Healing Womb,
Minucha b’Lev, Spiritual Direction, Creativity Coaching and Lev b’Lev
SoulCollage, for all of the poets, photographers, and writers I have met
through blogging, for the tremendous beauty of this world. I cannot say I am
thankful for sadness, illness or suffering in my own life or anyone else’s, but
I will say that I am grateful for what I have learned from each personal
struggle and for the blessings that have flowed through because of, in spite
of, and side by side with each new challenge. Having the privilege of reading
what you have all written as the messages arrived, it was/is clear that I am
not the only one among us who has a similar relationship to the hardships life
dishes out from time to time. What I realize more and more as I grow older and
hopefully wiser is that the content of contentment is anything and
everything that wakes me up to this moment, and this one, and this one and on
and on. ~laura

If it is financially
possible for you at this time, a loving gesture to expand the essence of our
quilt so others may feel gratitude might be to make a donation to one of these organizations
that need our help right now including: Sevai
Karangal, American
Jewish World Service, Church World Service, American Red Cross,
Merci Corps.
Or
consider purchasing a copy of Beyond the Dark Room: Some of my poems and the
poems of others who have offered their gratitude in this quilt are published in
this beautiful book of healing- from darkness to light. All proceeds are a
direct donation to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/Doctors Without Borders. NONE of the poets were paid to create this work of compassion. Click the image below to order the book from Amazon; the KINDLE edition is now available too!

There
are many more charitable organizations listed here. But as I said way back at the beginning
of this post, the smallest gestures; a smile, sitting in silent presence while
someone pours out their heart, these too extend the love and open the world to
more mindful moments of gratitude.

If you’d
like to leave a comment in the comment box below this post, try this: Close your eyes. Exhale.
Inhale. Ask yourself “what am I grateful for in THIS moment? Exhale again. Open
your eyes and then allow the words of you heart to pour through your fingers
into the box. Lets keep the gratitude flowing!

This is amazing, Laura!!!! Your images and the way that you pieced the patches together...it is perfect!!! I'm so grateful and I SO look forward to reading each of these beautiful thoughts.

I just showed Caiden his patch...his eyes lit right up recognizing his name!!!! I love that his patch is right below one of my favorite childhood flowers, your photo of the Indian paintbrush heart....so wonderful!!!!!!

Thank you for all that you do, Laura and thank you to everyone for all of your outpourings. ♥ and peace.

I've been waiting for this year's quilt and it's lifted me up to the sky! Thank you, dear Laura, for taking the time to stitch this together to share with all of us. Love to you and to your family, Toni

What a cornucopia of riches - it was lovely to be part of and even lovelier to read the results ... thanks again Laura, so much; the warmth of your beautiful quilt will be felt by many for a good long time.

I am grateful for my father's slow but steady return to health and my gradual return to happiness and being able to trust that things will continue to improve. I am also so grateful for my Sweetheart who has been so steadfast in his love and support for me these past few months and for my friends who have done all they can to cheer me.

i am grateful for the health of my family as this is something that has been a painful struggle in the past. also that our needs are met with abundance. i've been unemployed for 3 months but our bills are still met and we have what we need. i'm thankful for friends who are a great encouragement in times of trial and who share the joy in times of happiness. also i am thankful that next month i will be able to begin a new job in a field i feel passionately about.

i love the careful tender loving way you have stitched the hearts and gratitude of everyone together! each of your photographs a visual jewel and symbol of the presence of love that surrounds us in every single moment.i am grateful for this generous ringing out of thanks and the circle of love that ties all hearts together.

This is just amazing, Laura. Congratulations to you for putting it all together and gratitude to all who shared their thoughts. It was so wonderful to read snippets of this multi-coloured quilt of words.

I am amazed at the outpouring of such lovely gratitude making for an exquisite quilt. You are an astonishing woman feeding us with reasons for loving others. I vow to offer something for your new quilt.

An amazing post Laura, one I feel very privileged - and grateful - to read.

Gratitude Quilt

I am grateful for a husband who has so much kindness, love and patience, a son who is very much like his father, a daughter-in-law who likes and loves us. I am grateful for being able to see my dear, sweet niece get married recently. I am grateful and very thankful for my family and for my friends, for my health because we know several family members and friends who are going through serious and life-threatening illnesses, and I can do nothing but tell them they are loved and lend a listening ear. I am grateful for finally realizing that life is precious, that we not only need to help others in this life but ask for it when needed. I’m grateful for you Laura :)

Donation for Earthquake Survivers

Here is a list compiled by the NY times of organizations accepting donations to help the victims of the devastating earthquake in Kathmandu and people in nearby areas also affected. Click this link to act with compassion; our hearts feel the aftershocks from afar.

Twenty Quiet Minutes

click the image to learn more about this tele-meditation group

The Healing

Womb

Meditation Podcasts

.

Minucha B'Lev - Resting In Our Hearts

A Jewish Meditation Podcasts. Click the image for list of podcasts.

Beyond the Dark Room

Some of my poems are published in this beautiful book of healing- from darkness to light. All proceeds are a direct donation to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/Doctors Without Borders. Click the image to order the book from Amazon, the KINDLE edition is now available as well!

(Thanks for the reminder dear Anne z"l may your memory be for blessing my friend)

This Blog Is Copyright and Poodle Protected

You've been warned!

My posts have beenfeatured @The Smitten Image several times.

Thanksso much Hilary:-)

MS Awareness, my friend Cathy Aten

My posts have been featured

@ Carnival of MS Bloggers

Thanks Lisa!

A Handful of My SoulCollage® Images

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...the Holy One makes himself known to everyone according to the insight of his heart and his capacity to attach himself to the spirit of divine wisdom.

~Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

My writing can be found in this e-book too..

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I want to ask you, as clearly as I can, to bear with patience all that is unresolved in your heart, and try to love the questions themselves, as if they were rooms yet to enter or books written in a foreign language. Don't dig for answers that can't be given you yet: you live them now. For everything must be lived. Live the questions now, perhaps then, someday, you will gradually, without noticing, live into the answer. ~Rainer Maria Rilke

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...where beauty grows award

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Oh my goodness they are so hard

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comment before posting anyway.

Just to be is a blessing.

Just to live is holy.

~ Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

Poppy Purse

Featured @ The Weekend In Black and White... thanks Dragon Star:-)

"Holiness isn't something ephemeral or amorphous that exists out there in the ether or the firmament. Holiness is what occurs in the moment of alchemy when any of us chooses to be fully present to another." ~ Leaf Seligman, Opening the Window

Popular Posts This Month

I made an interesting discovery one day when writing to a KMCC client. When I entered the word"scatteredness" spell-check insisted on changing it to"sacredness".Indeed, thesmall, scatteredmoments ofcreativityandawareness that make up our days are often where sacredness can be found.

Blog Archive

It isn't the things that happen to us in our lives that cause us to suffer, it's how we relate to the things that happen to us that causes us to suffer.

~Ani Pema Chödrön

(Read about the Chipmunk King and view a video of Ani Pema discussing thishere)

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Remnants

Before the eMeS, my now constant companion begged me to stay close to home, I taught art, yoga and meditation to Jewish teens in the Greater Boston area. The collage series in the slide show above was created using forgotten paper scraps that slipped between the cracks of the tables onto the floor, from an Art as a Sacred Practice class I taught to High School students several years ago. My intention was to find the intrinsic value in each remnant. Often the beauty of an individual person goes unrecognized or unappreciated until it is revealed in the context of a relationship; the same is true of colors, shapes and textures. Click on the images to take a closer look. They are tiny works, some no bigger than 1.5” x 1.5”

All art, photos, poetry, prose, essays, podcasts and music presented on this blog are original works by Laura Hegfield, unless otherwise indicated. If you wish to reproduce any of my work please contact me directly.